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Easy Buffalo Chicken Queso Dip: Best 20-Minute Recipe

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This creamy, spicy, and cheesy buffalo chicken queso dip comes together in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick comfort food fix.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Blue cheese or ranch dressing for drizzling (optional)
  • Tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bread cubes, or pretzels for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Shred rotisserie chicken into small pieces (about 2 cups). If using canned chicken, drain and flake with a fork. Set aside.
  2. Mix the buffalo sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup buffalo sauce and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Stir until smooth. Pour over shredded chicken and toss to coat. Let sit.
  3. Start the cheese base: Place a skillet over medium-low heat. Add softened cream cheese and stir constantly until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add the milk: Slowly pour in 1/2 cup milk while stirring. Continue stirring until fully combined and smooth (1-2 minutes).
  5. Add the shredded cheeses: Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each handful is melted before adding the next (3-4 minutes).
  6. Season the base: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Add the buffalo chicken: Fold the coated chicken into the cheese mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.
  8. Check the consistency: If too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, let simmer for another minute. Aim for a texture thick enough to coat a chip but easy to scoop.
  9. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl or keep in the skillet. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and parsley. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and veggie sticks.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk for best texture. Grate cheese from a block for smoother melting. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for drained black beans or sautéed mushrooms. To keep warm for parties, transfer to a slow cooker on warm setting. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

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